Water, Water Everywhere – Are You Drinking Enough? Part 2 of 2

Earlier we spoke on The Importance of Drinking Water, Path to Improved Wellness, Some of the Reasons for Dehydration and How to Stay Hydrated.

In this blog we will touch on Hydration from Other Sources, What Type of Water is Considered Healthier for us to Drink and Tips for Drinking More Water.

Even in colder months, it is just as important to keep ourselves hydrated. Remember a cup of warm herbal fruit infused tea counts towards our daily water consumption.

Hydration from Other Sources
A diet containing lots of fruits and vegetables will supply about 4 cups of water per day, but it is still necessary to drink an additional 6-8 cups of water per day to meet the body’s daily needs. Water can be found in fruits and vegetables like watermelon, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, celery, radishes, bell peppers, spinach, strawberries, broccoli, grapefruit, apricots, grapes, zucchini, and in soup broths.

What Type of Water is Considered Healthier for us to Drink
Just about every source of tap water could potentially contain one or more or all of the following; harmful toxins, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chlorine and fluoride. Tap water is not rich with the minerals and nutrients and bottled waters are too acidic. Alkaline water hydrates more effectively and enables cells to perform at peak efficiency and with an alkaline diet is an extremely effective way to properly hydrate. This creates an oxygen-rich environment to improve energy, sleep, digestion, heart functioning, nervous system, mental acuity, pain reduction/inflammation, well-being and athletic performance.

Best Tips for Drinking More Water a Day
Add your own natural fruit juice or herbs for water flavoring. Adding a squeeze of citrus; lemon, orange or lime can make it more appealing to drink. Many infuse their water with herbs. You can use leaf herbs like mint to enhance the flavor of water.

Use an App or make a chart. There are some great water apps available for smartphones like Water Logged, to help you track how much water you have consumed throughout the day and send you reminders to keep the water flowing.

Use a water filter jug. Using a filter will purify your water, making it fresh, clear and tasty.

Buy a reusable bottle for water and carry it with you. Keeping a bottle on hand will help to keep you hydrated. Always re-fill your glass or water bottle. You are more likely to drink more if you see water in front of you rather than an empty glass. Invest in a really nice re-useable bottle that you will actually use. Using a bottle that you will enjoy using will motivate you to carry on drinking throughout the day.

Stay hydrated while you exercise. You get thirsty while exercising because you are losing more water through sweat.

Drink water as your starter. When you are out for dinner a really easy way to drink more water is to have a glass before your meal. This tip could potentially aide in weight loss while keeping you hydrated.. Many times dehydration can be confused as hunger pangs. You are more likely to eat less by drinking more water.

Eat plenty of water rich foods. These foods are healthy and will keep you fuller for longer. About 20% of your fluid intake comes from foods. (Those fruits and vegetables we mentioned)

Drink water on your nights out. A really great tip to drink more water is to substitute every other alcoholic drink on a night out with a glass of water. This is much healthier for your body and will save you from feeling horrible the next morning. (You should still have a designated sober driver, drink responsibly)

Drink a glass of water while your coffee is brewing. This will counteract the effects of drinking caffeine, which can dehydrate you.

Try different types of water like, spring, mineral, sparking and flavored water. Also look for Coconut water and other plant based waters. Whatever helps to make water more enjoyable for you is best.

Be sure water is accessible to you while you travel. Driving and travel dehydrates us.

Swap the sugary drinks, fruit juices and fizzy drinks for a glass of water. Reducing your sugar level will help in weight loss, blood sugar management, hydration and help maintain healthy oral hygiene.

Always be sure that your water intake is within reason and for health benefits. There is such thing as drinking too much…